More Than a Meal from Encore Community Services

Dear Friend,

Every weekday, Alveny De La Cruz knocks on about 60 doors across Manhattan.

For many of the older adults she visits, she is delivering their meal for the day. She may also be the only person they see. “I see it every day,” Alveny told us. “They’re alone. Sometimes very alone.”

One morning, Alveny arrived at an apartment on her usual route and knocked. There was no answer. This was someone who always came to the door. Alveny knocked again. Then she heard a faint voice whispering, “Help me!” She immediately called 911. Emergency responders arrived and found an older woman on the floor. She had fallen the night before and had been lying there with broken teeth and a damaged hip.

Days later, Alveny received a call from the woman. “You saved my life,” she said. “I knew that no one else would knock on my door except for you.”

That is what Encore makes possible.

A meal delivery is food, but it is also a check-in. It is someone noticing when an older adult has not been eating, when something feels off, or when help is urgently needed.

As Alveny puts it, “We are the eyes. We can see what others can’t.”

Today, too many older New Yorkers are aging alone while also facing rising costs and threats to essential benefits like SNAP and Medicaid. Encore steps in with meals, regular visits, case management, and the support older adults need to remain safely at home.

But we cannot do this work without you.

Your gift today helps ensure an older New Yorker has food on the table and someone showing up at the door.

• $50 delivers a week of meals to an older adult who cannot afford groceries
• $100 helps staff like Alveny check in, identify needs, and connect clients to care
• $250 helps an older New Yorker remain safely at home with the support they deserve

“If you’re thinking about giving, don’t think twice,” Alveny said. “There are so many people who need this support. You can make the difference.” Please make your gift today here.

With Appreciation,

Jeremy Kaplan

Executive Director
Encore Community Services